3D Printing: Game-Changing Applications for Consumers

3D printing is quickly capturing the hearts and minds of the general population. Often, 3D printing is spoken of in fantastical terms with the slightly derogatory phrase, “We can’t quite do that just yet.”

The primary drivers behind 3D printing’s popularity are the customization and democratization of products today’s consumer demands. It is no longer enough to create something that will be appreciated by the masses, since personalization is a key enabler for this consumer. It is no longer adequate to simply own a device. You need to own the experience and perception of that item through modifications. There are a number of pioneering companies that are leveraging 3D printing business models to capitalize on this trend. The Star Trek replicator is still a long way off, but its precursor is making its presence felt today.

Sculpteo app.

3D printing home decor
Let’s start bright and early with your 3D-printed bed. FRONT has developed an innovative new 3D printing system by which people can design furniture and have it printed within a day. It’s an interesting concept since home customization is becoming an increasingly fashionable trend. That's due to the popularity of do-it-yourself shows from the likes of Bravo and HGTV. Homeowners frustrated with not finding the perfect bed frame can literally take the matter into their own hands.

Decorative customization has long been a hallmark of homeowners the world over; however, people can go beyond wall painting and back splash installation to beautifying their houses with their own artwork or embellishments printed by Sculpteo. Users simply upload their own 3D design, or use the company’s simple tools to build their own creations, and they
arrive at their door a few weeks later.

Speaking of sprucing up the household, Freedom of Creation can help build up the aesthetics around your house with their hanging, standing, wall, and table lights, which have received many awards and are fully customizable. The company showcases the level of intricacy and complication 3D printers are capable of with designs ranging from the simple to the outlandish.

Future-forward fashions for women
Women are leading the way in 3D printing fashion. Pauline Van Dongen’s Morphogenesis line of footwear received rave reviews from the fashion industry. Van Dongen takes advantage of the 3D-printing process as swirls and other complicated patterns are easily integrated into her footwear to create a unique trademark look.

Continuum Fashion is also in on the act. Its N12 Bikini and D. dress are the first entirely 3D-printed, ready-to-wear articles of clothing. The eye-catching designs are created using synthetic fabrics and are popping up on beaches and social events worldwide.

Don’t forget your accessories
People express their individuality through eyeglasses. Leopard print, bold colors, patterns, and unusual materials can be located at your local eye doctor or retailer. Have you ever had trouble picking out a pair that was just right for your face? (Have you thought, I wish these frames had that lens shape?) Make Eyewear uses an interesting mix of augmented reality and 3D printing to allow you to try on all of the frame shapes and styles, and purchase a new pair of glasses perfectly suited to the contours of your face.

3D printing is definitely a game changer we can see how technology is becoming advance day in and day out . Initially 3D printing was just used to develop or print materials , objects for home decore and so on but now it is commonly used for customizing objects . One of the most eye capturing usage of 3d printing is development of human organs by tissues this is really very great, These organs like kidneys can be used for transplants. I bet in future this technology will definitely become a major boom .

"3D printing is definitely a game changer we can see how technology is becoming advance day in and day out . Initially 3D printing was just used to develop or print materials , objects for home decore and so on but now it is commonly used for customizing objects ."

Debera, there is no doubt that this technology is a game changer, but when it will be available for common man use is the question.

I agree. 5-D is definitely the future of innovation. I've been following th is movement for a few years and have started to integrate this type of design thinking into my projects.

This is a nice list of companies in the 3-D market. But, the claim "game changing" needs to be followed up with more editorial commentary. Yes, the "Bespoke/Maker/DIY/Custom" trend has evolved over the last ten years. Tell me more about how these companies aren't just doing cool stuff but really creating change in the market.

Who owns the liability of a consumer printed toy? Safety is a big concern in the toy industry, from small parts, choking hazards, lacerations, pthaliates, hazardous chemicals, etc. If a child is injured by a 3D printed toy, whose fault is it? Maybe it depends on where the design came from. I can see that someone will sue the printer manufacturer, the website that hosted the design, the designer and anyone else associated with the model. Even in cases where the consumer creates their own toy, the printer manufacturer and software vendor might be held liable.

ChuckMahoney brings up some interesting questions about liability for consumer 3D printing. There are other questions about who owns the intellectual property and how it's reused, for both consumer and commercial 3D printing. It will be interesting to see how all this plays out.

3D printing just knows no horizons. It would be wise to say that it has stirred the whole world with its limitless applications and utility. Its great to see how this device has been incorporated in so many diverse fields. No wonder why people are motivated to learn 3D softwares enthusiasticly. It is definitley making them self sufficient and innovative.

After seeing what 3D Printing has done in home decorations and art material, I can confidently say it is a game changer. Now it's revolution in to the medical scene looks quite fascinating. Using the 3D printing technology to produce body tissues and organs like the kidney looks unreal and scary. Who would want to try a print out kidney transplant? It sure will be interesting to see how far this goes.

Practically all electronic devices today contain metals that may
be coming from conflict-ravaged African countries. And political pressures will increasingly influence how these minerals are sourced and used in products.

Design for manufacturing (DFM) in mold production means that mold designers evaluate the manufacturability of their molds in the early stage of mold development by collecting all relevant information and applying it to their designs. They also have to consider many other factors, including flow balance, structural stress, and assembly tolerance, in order to ensure successful molding production.

Some adhesives provide strong structural bonds but take hours to fixture and attain handling strength. The technologies that offer the fastest cure do not bear loads or withstand stresses. A new class of adhesives aims to make both stick.

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